First Nations Recycling Initiative gains full support from Stewardship Agencies of B.C.

Stewardship Agencies of BC (SABC), a coalition of extended producer responsibility (EPR) organizations across British Columbia that collaborate to promote and manage responsible end-of-life programs, shared that all 13 member organizations are now participating in the First Nations Recycling Initiative (FNRI). The initiative was founded by members of SABC and has been in operation since 2017 working with First Nations communities across the province to raise awareness of B.C.'s stewardship programs and to support local collection events, helping communities build and expand their recycling programs. 

Announced on April 24 at the 4th annual IZWTAG Day, SABC is now collaborating with the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group (IZWTAG). IZWTAG will work closely with the FNRI manager to support communities and their recycling needs.  

With all 13 SABC member organizations now in partnership with the FNRI, and with the support of IZWTAG, the following materials can be recycled:

• NEW: Used oil and antifreeze, oil filters, and automotive containers.
• NEW: Leftover paint, household hazardous waste, lights, and smoke/CO alarms.
• NEW: Consumer and industrial lead-acid batteries.
• Batteries (like single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries).
• Small appliances and power tools (like toasters, irons, hairdryers, drills, and clocks).
• Electronics (like televisions, computers, cellular devices, and video game systems).
• Thermostats, like mercury-containing and electronic thermostats.
• Health products (like prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, Natural health products, and traditional medicine).
• Major appliances (like refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers).
• Electric outdoor power equipment (like corded lawnmowers, battery chainsaws, and battery/corded leaf blowers).
• Packaging and paper products (like printed paper, plastic containers, metal containers, paper packaging, glass, flexible plastics, and foam packaging).
• Beverage containers.
• Tires (like car tires, medium truck tires, agricultural tires, logger skidder tires, and bicycle tires and tubes).

Organizations behind the responsible end-of-life programs

The 13 SABC member organizations involved are: Brewers' Recycled Container Collection Council (BRCCC), Call2Recycle Canada, Canadian Battery Association (CBA), Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA), Health Products Stewardship Association, Interchange Recycling, Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR), Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Canada (OPEIC), Product Care Recycling, Recycle BC, Return-It, Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP), and Tire Stewardship BC.

We are grateful to live, work, and be in relation with First Nations and other Indigenous people from across many traditional and unceded territories, covering all regions of British Columbia. We value the opportunity to learn and share experiences on this traditional territory. The Indigenous communities were the original stewards of the environment, and they continue to fulfill that role today. We are proud to both collaborate with First Nations as well as commit to that work ourselves.

"The First Nations Recycling Initiative was created by SABC members who saw an opportunity to collaborate and support First Nation communities to access program information and participate in B.C.'s EPR programs," said Jordan Best, Stewardship Agencies of BC Chair. "Initially eight of SABC's member organizations created a project that would be specifically relevant to First Nations who were interested in starting or strengthening recycling programs in their communities. Now, with all 13 SABC member organizations involved, we can make it even easier for communities to recycle a wider range of items."

"We are excited to continue to develop the First Nations Recycling Initiative, and are grateful to have the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group involved to help us deliver this program effectively to more First Nation communities," said Craig Wisehart, Stewardship Agencies of BC Ambassador. "Together, we are making it easier for First Nations communities across the province to implement effective zero-waste programs. We will continue to work with First Nation communities to have access to comprehensive recycling collection events, facilitating the proper disposal of a wider range of materials."

"Our Indigenous run non-profit society was built on the foundation of protecting and preserving the environment and improving waste management within First Nation communities," said Calvin Jameson, president, Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group. "By creating this  partnership with SABC to collaborate on the FNRI, we're able to continue to develop, and grow,  local solutions for recycling for more First Nation communities and will provide training and support for those who are interested in recycling initiatives in their communities."